HI, first time build, advice?

illegal · 05-27-2009, 07:55 PM

This is my first build.

Here are the parts Im thinking about:

Graphics card--BFG Tech BFGE96512GTOCBE GeForce 9600 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16
HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - $76.99

HD--Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM $54.99

Sound Card--HT | OMEGA STRIKER 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - $89.99

OS--Microsoft Windows XP Home SP3 for System Builders - $89.99

CD-ROM--Pioneer Qflix 20X DVD±R Burner Black SATA Model DVR-2920Q - $57.99

Tower and Power Supply-- XCLIO A380BK Fully Black SECC 1.0mm thickness ATX Full Tower Computer Case ***Plus***
XCLIO GREATPOWER X14S4P4 750W ATX12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - $169.98

Memory-- G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ - $63.98

Processor and Motherboard-- Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 ***plus***
BIOSTAR TForce TP45HP LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard- $252.98

Here are my questions:

Is this a good build?
Is this everything I need? (besides mouse, monitor, keyboard,spks)
Is it too much?
Is it not enough?
Anywhere I can cut?
Anything I have to beef up?
Any advice?

I live in the U.S., I want this rig for gaming and internet.
I want to be able to run wow at maxed settings with great fps, and I want a pc ready for games like Diablo 3, and modern warfare 2.

Thank you so much!

**Tyree** · 05-27-2009, 08:28 PM

Seagate/Maxtor has had some problems lately so I would suggest a WD Hdd.
Onboard sound is quite impressive on newer Mobo's. Try it out, you can always get a sound card later if you need it.
Seriously consider a different brand of Mobo. Asus and Gigabyte make high quality Mobo's with good support.
Asus P5QPro; $112
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131295
I believe this is the most suggested GB Mobo? ; GIGABYTE GA-EP45T-UD3LR $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128371

If you want the most bang for buck CPU go with the E8500 if your budget allows the few extra dollars.
I'm not certain about the quality of XCLIO PSU's. Some were good and some not so good. Hopefully someone can clarify that.

Tumbleweed36 · 05-27-2009, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyree

Seagate/Maxtor has had some problems lately so I would suggest a WD Hdd.
Onboard sound is quite impressive on newer Mobo's. Try it out, you can always get a sound card later if you need it.
Seriously consider a different brand of Mobo. Asus and Gigabyte make high quality Mobo's with good support.
Asus P5QPro; $112
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131295
I believe this is the most suggested GB Mobo? ; GIGABYTE GA-EP45T-UD3LR $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128371

If you want the most bang for buck CPU go with the E8500 if your budget allows the few extra dollars.
I'm not certain about the quality of XCLIO PSU's. Some were good and some not so good. Hopefully someone can clarify that.

Amen on those items mentioned by my team mate Tyree. The xclio psu's are not very good, so that is a real concern for this build. Try looking at a Corsair 750 for this build.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006

In addition, you might want to ram up to a better video card like a ATI 4870 or a 9800GTX, or a GTX260. While the one you have chosen is decent, it is not in the same class as the ones mentioned above.

I do recommend you take a read of this sticky before you go too far:

Want to Build A New Intel or AMD Computer? Here are 6 suggested models with Spec

**Tyree** · 05-28-2009, 07:49 AM

Thank you Tumbleweed36 for including the link of suggested builds. I intended to include that in my post.

illegal · 05-28-2009, 04:44 PM

First off, wow...
Im impressed by how you guys operate.
I did not expect to receive a response so quick, not to mention so help and inviting.

thank you so much!

Ok... new build,

Case-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811103010
PSU-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006
Mobo-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128371
Cpu-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115036
x-card-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150329
ram-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231122
HD-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822144396

Question: OS, vista or xp? I heard xp was better for gaming, but I see other builds using gaming.

Thanks again. so helpful!

Tumbleweed36 · 05-28-2009, 05:08 PM

While XP most likely is the most stable because of all the time it has been on the market, it is IMHO, time to move on to a Vista operating system if you are going to have to purchase a new one. I would go for this one:

Operating System: Vista Home Premium 64 = $99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116488

illegal · 05-28-2009, 05:19 PM

Perfect, done. So......Is this everything I need to build a decent operating rig? including the act of actually building it? Should I buy a building manual or some kinda supply,tool, adhesive?

Thanks!

illegal · 05-28-2009, 05:20 PM

Oh! any risks I should be aware of?
Im afraid of frying all this expensive equipment!

**grimx133** · 05-28-2009, 07:21 PM

The stock heatsink will have thermal pad on it, but most don't use that. Better to clean it off with 90%+ isopropyl alcohol and use thermal paste instead. Not that I use the stock cooler often.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835100007

No special tools required. Couple screwdriver (phillips + standard), Needlenose pliers come in handy now and again. One thing, actually two things, that I use a lot of is a magnifying glass and a flashlight. Sure helps to be able to see the small stuff.

Touch the frame of the case to avoid static. Don't work on a carpet. Don't get ahead of yourself, take your time and have fun.

Check out linderman's bench test. Good troubleshooting method, gives you the basics of computer building. Many build it first out of the case, then move it inside if all goes well.
How to Bench Test Your System

illegal · 05-29-2009, 06:25 AM

Thanks, that answered my question, do I need a network card? if so can u recommend one?

**grimx133** · 05-29-2009, 01:45 PM

The motherboard has an onboard network card, just plug in an RJ45 cable from your modem or router.

illegal · 05-29-2009, 06:45 PM

Thanks grim, i had no idea. lol

05-27-2009, 07:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
illegal Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Posts: 38 OS: vista	HI, first time build, advice? This is my first build. Here are the parts Im thinking about: Graphics card--BFG Tech BFGE96512GTOCBE GeForce 9600 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - $76.99 HD--Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM $54.99 Sound Card--HT \| OMEGA STRIKER 7.1 Channels PCI Interface Sound Card - $89.99 OS--Microsoft Windows XP Home SP3 for System Builders - $89.99 CD-ROM--Pioneer Qflix 20X DVD±R Burner Black SATA Model DVR-2920Q - $57.99 Tower and Power Supply-- XCLIO A380BK Fully Black SECC 1.0mm thickness ATX Full Tower Computer Case *Plus* XCLIO GREATPOWER X14S4P4 750W ATX12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - $169.98 Memory-- G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ - $63.98 Processor and Motherboard-- Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 *plus* BIOSTAR TForce TP45HP LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard- $252.98 Here are my questions: Is this a good build? Is this everything I need? (besides mouse, monitor, keyboard,spks) Is it too much? Is it not enough? Anywhere I can cut? Anything I have to beef up? Any advice? I live in the U.S., I want this rig for gaming and internet. I want to be able to run wow at maxed settings with great fps, and I want a pc ready for games like Diablo 3, and modern warfare 2. Thank you so much!

05-27-2009, 08:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,495 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: HI, first time build, advice? Seagate/Maxtor has had some problems lately so I would suggest a WD Hdd. Onboard sound is quite impressive on newer Mobo's. Try it out, you can always get a sound card later if you need it. Seriously consider a different brand of Mobo. Asus and Gigabyte make high quality Mobo's with good support. Asus P5QPro; $112 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131295 I believe this is the most suggested GB Mobo? ; GIGABYTE GA-EP45T-UD3LR $100 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128371 If you want the most bang for buck CPU go with the E8500 if your budget allows the few extra dollars. I'm not certain about the quality of XCLIO PSU's. Some were good and some not so good. Hopefully someone can clarify that. __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently. Last edited by Tyree; 05-27-2009 at 08:32 PM.

05-28-2009, 07:49 AM	#4 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,495 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: HI, first time build, advice? Thank you Tumbleweed36 for including the link of suggested builds. I intended to include that in my post. __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.

05-28-2009, 04:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
illegal Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Posts: 38 OS: vista	Re: HI, first time build, advice? First off, wow... Im impressed by how you guys operate. I did not expect to receive a response so quick, not to mention so help and inviting. thank you so much! Ok... new build, Case-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811103010 PSU-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139006 Mobo-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128371 Cpu-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115036 x-card-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150329 ram-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231122 HD-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822144396 Question: OS, vista or xp? I heard xp was better for gaming, but I see other builds using gaming. Thanks again. so helpful!

05-28-2009, 05:08 PM	#6 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,640 OS: XP Professional	Re: HI, first time build, advice? While XP most likely is the most stable because of all the time it has been on the market, it is IMHO, time to move on to a Vista operating system if you are going to have to purchase a new one. I would go for this one: Operating System: Vista Home Premium 64 = $99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116488 __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread. Last edited by Tumbleweed36; 05-28-2009 at 05:12 PM.

05-28-2009, 05:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
illegal Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Posts: 38 OS: vista	Re: HI, first time build, advice? Perfect, done. So......Is this everything I need to build a decent operating rig? including the act of actually building it? Should I buy a building manual or some kinda supply,tool, adhesive? Thanks!

05-28-2009, 05:20 PM	#8 (permalink)
illegal Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Posts: 38 OS: vista	Re: HI, first time build, advice? Oh! any risks I should be aware of? Im afraid of frying all this expensive equipment!

05-28-2009, 07:21 PM	#9 (permalink)
grimx133 Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Canada eh Posts: 3,133 OS: xp mce sp2, xp pro sp2, windows 7 beta My System	Re: HI, first time build, advice? The stock heatsink will have thermal pad on it, but most don't use that. Better to clean it off with 90%+ isopropyl alcohol and use thermal paste instead. Not that I use the stock cooler often. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835100007 No special tools required. Couple screwdriver (phillips + standard), Needlenose pliers come in handy now and again. One thing, actually two things, that I use a lot of is a magnifying glass and a flashlight. Sure helps to be able to see the small stuff. Touch the frame of the case to avoid static. Don't work on a carpet. Don't get ahead of yourself, take your time and have fun. Check out linderman's bench test. Good troubleshooting method, gives you the basics of computer building. Many build it first out of the case, then move it inside if all goes well. How to Bench Test Your System __________________

05-29-2009, 06:25 AM	#10 (permalink)
illegal Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Posts: 38 OS: vista	Re: HI, first time build, advice? Thanks, that answered my question, do I need a network card? if so can u recommend one?

05-29-2009, 01:45 PM	#11 (permalink)
grimx133 Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Canada eh Posts: 3,133 OS: xp mce sp2, xp pro sp2, windows 7 beta My System	Re: HI, first time build, advice? The motherboard has an onboard network card, just plug in an RJ45 cable from your modem or router. __________________

05-29-2009, 06:45 PM	#12 (permalink)
illegal Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Posts: 38 OS: vista	Re: HI, first time build, advice? Thanks grim, i had no idea. lol